IDF Soldier's Mother Slams Documentary on Civilian Casualties

Dr. Me'ayan Sherman, mother of fallen IDF soldier Ron Sherman, has publicly criticized the documentary "N.A. (Accidental Damage)" in a Facebook post. The film, by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, won a jury prize at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival and presents testimonies from 24 IDF soldiers and officers, which the filmmakers state explore "the systems behind the calculated mass killing of Palestinians in Gaza by Israel." Sherman expressed her frustration with what she termed the "extreme left," stating that those who prioritize the enemy's children over their own are, consciously or not, serving the enemy. She recalled an incident where, while protesting for the release of hostages, some individuals stood with images of children killed by Israeli airstrikes, rather than those of the hostages. Sherman believes this stance, which she called "absurd," gave Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu legitimacy to continue the war and the killing of children, potentially including Gazan children. The film received a 24-minute standing ovation at the Venice festival, but its screening also led to threats against its creators. In response, the Documentary Forum in Israel issued a statement defending the creators' right to document reality and present controversial perspectives, even without having seen the film themselves.